Manager Joe Maddon called it a "non-descript" loss, noting he was generally pleased with the Rays pitching and that they didn't do much offensively.

Veteran LHP Erik Bedard, competing for the No. 5 spot, wasn't sharp, allowing 3 first-innings runs on three hits and two walks, throwing 25 pitches. "Well,'' he said, "I got my pitch count up.'' Bedard said he had some success with his changeup so that was a positive.

Veteran RHP Heath Bell also was not sharp, needing 24 pitches to get through his inning, allowing a run on a walk, stolen base, single and wild pitch. He did say it was a good day overall, pleased with the movement on his pitches.

On the positive side, RHP Nathan Karns, acquired from Washington in a 3-for-1 deal, made an impressive debut with a 1-2-3 inning, and SS Hak-Ju Lee got back on the field for his first game action since injuring his left knee in April.

About the blog

The Tampa Bay Rays will head into the 2015 season with Evan Longoria, Chris Archer, Alex Cobb and plenty of new faces, including manager Kevin Cash. Can they upend the Orioles in the highly competitive AL East? Come here to follow Rays news at Tropicana Field and beyond.